Brightline Train Review: Miami to Fort Lauderdale in Smart Class
Brightline from Miami to Fort Lauderdale in Smart Class: the fare, the stations, the seat, and whether it replaces hiring a car.
When I used to visit Florida, there never seemed to be any option other than hiring a car to get around. Then I heard about the Brightline service, which sounded like a potential game changer.
There are limits to this Florida-based train service: it could be a useful option if you're landing at Miami International airport, disembarking from a cruise at Port of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, or - like me - heading North to meet friends, without a hire car.
I travelled with Brightline from Miami to Fort Lauderdale in Smart Class, and it exceeded my expectations. I've taken Amtrak in the US and this is a pretty big contrast. Read on to find out for my Brightline train review.
What Is Brightline and How Does It Work?
Watch my full trip on Brightline Smart Class from Miami to Fort Lauderdale:
Brightline is a privately operated rail service in Florida, the first of its kind in the U.S. in more than 50 years. It connects key cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Aventura and Orlando.
The train service has a good reputation for timely departures and I found the stations architecturally pleasing, and the trains comfortable. The company is positioning their service as a premium alternative to sitting in traffic on Florida's congested road network.
The Miami to Fort Lauderdale segment takes roughly 35 minutes, including stops at Aventura and Boca Raton. It's not a bullet train, but the stress-free boarding and comfort onboard make the journey smoother than driving.
Brightline MiamiCentral Station: What to Expect
I'm not exaggerating when I say that Brightline's MiamiCentral station is a standout for architecture and amenities. This is not a typical commuter stop (if you're from Ireland or the EU like me). The double-height of the ground floor makes the station feel spacious and it was spotlessly clean.
Key features include:
- Well-staffed Guest Services and digital ticket kiosks
- Water refill stations and well-kept bathrooms
- Joe & the Juice café for smoothies and coffee
- Clear signage and easy access to platforms by escalator or lift
The ground floor of MiamiCentral creates a great first impression.
I was transferring from a cruise from Port of Miami, so the train times worked great for me. However, if you're overnighting in Miami and want to stay near MiamiCentral station for Brightline, consider hotels like:
What It's Like in Brightline Smart Class
The seats are quite spacious (19″ width) for Smart Class
Brightline has two classes: Smart Class and Premier Class. Smart Class is badged as a comfortable business-style ticket with a few less amenities than Premier Class. I booked Smart Class and was assigned seats in Carriage 5. It felt anything but basic and here's what stood out:
- Generous legroom and reserved 19″ wide leather seats
- Tray tables, USB ports and power outlets
- Wi-Fi fast enough for general browsing but not video uploads
- A clean, spacious toilet (way better than on most airlines)
- Air conditioning that might be a bit too cold! Bring a layer just in case
My journey from Miami to Fort Lauderdale took 33 minutes, including other stops en route. Apart from station announcements, the journey was quiet and smooth.
If you're working on board (or you get motion sickness), I believe that there's a three-axle gimbal-like ride, which makes things more stable, and that will make your trip easier.
Brightline Ticket Prices
My Smart Class ticket cost $29.84. I researched prices while I was writing this article, and if you have flexible dates, you can get a Smart ticket for as little as $19.
If you want to upgrade, Premium Class will give you access to a Premium Lounge (at Miami), snacks and drinks on board, and an Uber rideshare credit. For my dates, a Brightline Premium tickets costs $49 USD.
Fort Lauderdale Brightline Station: Arrival Experience
The Fort Lauderdale station was much smaller than MiamiCentral, but it was still thoughtfully designed. This company definitely has great cleaners working for them, the station was spotless (and I'm fussy enough to notice that!).
Mary Mary wasn't busy but had a well-stocked bar if you need it!
On arrival, you'll find:
- A Mary Mary café and a convenience store/shop on the platform level
- Ride share pick-up zone just down the escalator and out the main doors
- Direct shuttles to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
The sign for the FLL Airport Connector is right outside the Brightline Station in Fort Lauderdale
Looking to stay nearby in Fort Lauderdale? Try the following options (a short rideshare away):
Brightline Miami to Fort Lauderdale Tickets & Pricing
I paid $29.84 for a one-way Smart Class ticket by booking early. Prices vary with demand, so if your plans are fixed, it's worth locking in sooner rather than later.
Check pricing and availability
Is Brightline Worth It for Florida Travel?
If you're hoping to stay car-free during your trip to Florida, Brightline can definitely be a great transport option. If I needed to connect between Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami (or anywhere served by Brightline) and didn't need a car for side quests, I'd definitely take Brightline.
Here's some helpful connections if you're planning your trip:
- Book a rental car in Fort Lauderdale with Discover Cars
- Add an Everglades airboat ride or guided tour via GetYourGuide
- Pair with a city stay in downtown Miami or Fort Lauderdale, skipping the traffic and parking headaches. I use Expedia to compare prices.
Brightline Florida Train: Reality Check
I can't see a downside to using Brightline as an alternative to flying in South Florida.
However, if you've got a group, or big suitcases, and you're not going very far, an Uber might be more cost efficient for short distances, as you still have to get to and from Brightline's stations.
Here's who should consider it:
- Tourists arriving from Miami Airport or PortMiami
- Visitors with friends or family able to collect them at the other end
- Workers who need Wi-Fi and workspace to keep working on the fly
Sometimes life is not about getting there fastest or most directly. I love a train journey even if there's sometimes flaws, so for me, a clean and modern solution like Brightline ticks all the boxes.
Plan your journey with Brightline
Planet Patrick has no connection or affiliate relationship with Brightline. This review is entirely independent and tickets were self-paid.